Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Targeted mRNA–Lipid Nanoparticle Cancer Immunotherapy
Be part of innovative cancer research at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute.
The Nanomedicine and Gene Therapeutics Laboratory (NGTL) at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to drive a translational program developing targeted mRNA–lipid nanoparticles (mRNA–LNPs) for next-generation cancer immunotherapy.
Working with Dr Yi (David) Ju, you will engineer antibody-targeted mRNA–LNP systems and evaluate their performance in clinically relevant models, including humanised xenograft mouse models and studies using patient-derived samples. The project benefits from established protocols, existing ethics approvals, and a collaborative environment with strong clinical and research partnerships.
More information about the Lab: https://www.onjcri.org.au/nanomedicine-and-gene-therapeutics-laboratory/
More information about the Lab head: https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/dju
About the Role
This is a hands-on, research-focused position. You will lead experimental design and execution across:
- Targeted mRNA–LNP formulation and characterisation (encapsulation, size/PDI, stability, in vitro potency)
- Antibody functionalisation / bioconjugation strategies to enable cell-specific targeting
- In vitro and ex vivo assays (including work with plasma and PBMCs samples from healthy donors and cancer patients)
- In vivo studies using humanised xenograft cancer models to evaluate efficacy, biodistribution, and safety
- High-quality data generation for publications in high-impact journals, fellowships, and competitive grant applications
You will be expected to co-supervise PhD and Honors students, work closely with other postdoctoral researchers and collaborators, and contribute to a supportive and high-performing research culture.
You will be expected to present results in top-tier journal publications and deliver oral presentation at national and international conferences.
With strong support for career development, you will be expected to attract competitive funding and fellowships from state and federal governments, as well as philanthropic foundations.
Why ONJCRI?
- Translational impact: Research designed to accelerate clinically relevant cancer immunotherapy solutions
- Strong clinical connection: Access to patient samples and clinically anchored questions
- Cutting-edge research platform: Access to state-of-the-art technologies and world-class facilities, including the RNA-Lipid Nanoparticle Platform, Flow Cytometry Core Facility, ACRF Centre of Imaging the Tumour Environment, ACRF Centre for Precision Medicine, Translational Precision Imaging Facility, and Gene Editing (MAGEC) Platform.
- Collaborative environment: Work within a multidisciplinary institute with leading partners and shared platforms
- Professional development: Publishing opportunities, grant support, mentoring, and pathways toward independence
- Employee benefits: Generous salary packaging and institute benefits as per ONJCRI arrangements
Key Responsibilities:
- Core Scientific & Laboratory Responsibilities
- Design, formulate, and optimise targeted mRNA–LNP systems
- Establish and run in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo workflows to assess performance and mechanism
- Lead humanised xenograft mouse studies, including study design, execution, and analysis
- Maintain rigorous experimental documentation and reproducible workflows
- Project coordination and Compliance
- Manage project timelines, resources, documentation, and experimental workflow.
- Draft ethics application and annual reports.
- Ensure adherence to all ethical, regulatory, biosafety, and animal welfare requirements (including record keeping and reporting).
- Collaboration & Supervision
- Build collaborations with academic, industry, and clinical partners.
- Co-supervise Honours, Masters, and PhD students and contribute to a supportive team culture.
- Engagement & Communication
- Present research at conferences, seminars, and internal meetings.
- Participate in donor, consumer, and community engagement activities.
- Research Outputs & Funding
- Produce high-quality publications and presentation-ready data.
- Contribute to fellowship, grant, and industry partnership applications.
- Support the development of industry partnerships and research funding opportunities.
Selection criteria: To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A PhD in a relevant field (e.g., nanomedicine, immunology, cancer biology, pharmaceutical sciences)
- Demonstrated experience with in vivo mouse studies, ideally including humanised xenograft cancer models, with hands-on expertise in biodistribution, safety evaluation, and quantitative analytical techniques (e.g., flow cytometry, ddPCR, imaging)
- Demonstrated experience handling primary human samples (e.g., PBMCs and patient-derived specimens)
- Working knowledge and hands-on experience in at least one of the following:
- RNA–lipid nanoparticle formulation and characterization
- Antibody functionalisation of nanoparticles and downstream targeting evaluation
- Cancer immunology assays (e.g., immune cell phenotyping, functional assays, cytokine analysis)
- Strong ability to plan, execute, analyse, and interpret independent research
- Evidence of research outputs (publications, patents) relative to opportunity
- Excellent communication skills and a collegial, collaborative working style
- Track record (or clear potential) for competitive fellowships and grant funding
To Apply
Please submit your completed application, quoting reference number ONJCRI-001/2026 to Dr Yi David Ju, Laboratory Head, via Seek, with the following information:
- Cover letter, addressing selection criteria;
- CV;
- Contact details for three referees (referees will only be contacted after interview);
The Institute is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and workforce and we strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.
Closing date: 24 March 2026